SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), today announced the availability of Autodesk Topobase Electric software, a new infrastructure management solution designed to help North American electric utilities better manage their transmission and distribution networks, by integrating design and facility asset information. Topobase Electric joins Autodesk's portfolio of utilities solutions, including Topobase Gas, Water and Wastewater, and Autodesk Utility Design.

"Topobase Electric delivers an off-the-shelf, configurable solution that utilities can implement quickly to achieve operational excellence and maximize the value of their data," notes Lisa Campbell, vice president, Autodesk Geospatial. "Now utilities that offer multiple services like electricity, gas, water and wastewater can benefit from a consistent solution for mapping and asset management."

The Topobase Electric technology features data models, business rules and workflows that reflect the electric industry's unique data, process and regulatory standards. The product builds standardization into the asset management process, improving inefficient operations and data quality. For example, Topobase provides unique tools to visualize and manage underground assets, improving the quality of as-built documentation and enabling field workers to understand what is under the ground before they dig. Topobase Electric also keeps track of network connectivity, allowing a maintenance manager to identify and notify customers impacted in advance of a planned event. This built-in industry intelligence enables utilities to realize a more rapid return on investment.

A recent white paper by IDC commissioned by Autodesk found that the average Topobase utility customer can expect a return on investment of 518 percent in the first three years of implementation. The Topobase customers interviewed by IDC realized total annual benefits averaging $2.9 million per hundred users as a result of increases in user productivity and overall operational cost savings.(1)

Utilities Challenges

Electric utilities are faced with a growing customer base and an infrastructure network in need of upgrades and expansions. They are challenged with finding ways to work smarter, work faster and maintain assets efficiently. Autodesk Topobase Electric software enables utilities to streamline the business processes associated with managing infrastructure assets and the associated power network. This facility information can then be leveraged across the build, operate and maintain life cycle. With up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive information about the location and status of the infrastructure assets, utilities can improve the productivity of their personnel. Additionally, by streamlining the often time-consuming process of consolidating asset data from across the organization, it is easier for each department to make well-informed decisions.

Comprehensive, Flexible Solution

Over 500 organizations globally have successfully implemented Topobase, including complex multi-utility environments such as the Las Vegas Valley Water District, the City of Augsburg, Germany, and Romande Energie in Switzerland. This new release extends the functionality, usability and industry-specific standards of Topobase to the electric utilities industry.

Topobase Electric is built on AutoCAD Map 3D and Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise software products as well as the Oracle Spatial database, and features an open and flexible framework that can easily be integrated with existing business systems, such as SAP, ESRI ArcSDE data server and Hansen Asset Management. Topobase Electric includes Web-based applications that enable remote users, including field crews or external contractors, to manage project workflow, job creation and editing, by giving them visibility into existing infrastructure and new projects via the Web.

Availability

Autodesk Topobase Electric software will be available in the United States and Canada in late November. Autodesk Utility Design is currently available in the United States and Canada, and Autodesk Topobase Water, Wastewater and Gas modules are currently available in select countries worldwide. For more information, visit: www.autodesk.com/topobase.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

(1) IDC Whitepaper Sponsored by Autodesk, "Business Value Analysis of
Autodesk Topobase in Utilities," Doc # 209398, November 2007.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO)

Contact: Brett Smith (415) 547-2405
Email: brett.smith@autodesk.com

Toni Cole (503) 471-6841
toni.cole@edelman.com

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc. 11/13/2007


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